Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Celebrate Mothers Day at Lismore Castle

Why not treat your Mother to afternoon tea at Lismore Castle on Mother’s Day Sunday 14th March 2010. Part of the visit also includes a tour of the castle’s Spring Gardens.Afternoon tea will be served in the Pugin Room by the Duke of Devonshire’s Butler, (an opportunity not normally available to visitors). Following tea guests will have the unique occasion to pre-view of Lismore Castle Spring Gardens. The tour of the gardens will be given by Mr. Chris Tull, Head Gardener.The Lower Garden was formerly known as the Pleasure Grounds and is spectacular in the Spring Time.

A number of camellia, rhododendrons and some particularly magnificent magnolias can be found here. There has been extensive planting over the last number of years and the gardens are being constantly refined and improved. The walls surrounding the garden date from the early 18th century and have been planted with roses such as Francis E, Lester, Bobbie James, Rambling Rector to name but a few. The Lower Garden also boasts some spectacular sculptures by well-known artists Eilis O’Connell, Anthony Gormley and MarziaColonna.The Upper Garden is one of the few Jacobean gardens to survive in anything like its original form. The first Earl of Cork helped by his gardener John built a high surrounding wall and a raised terrace terminated at either end by turrets. The Central Walk, which is between the herbaceous borders, is backed by yew hedges and was laid in dramatic alignment on the Pain spire of the Anglican Cathedral. The hedges provide a suitable background for the herbaceous borders as one walks towards the top terrace. Located here are some artistic works by Bridget McCrum, Simon Thomas, Emily Young and Edwin Whitney Smith.A complimentary visit to the recently refurbished exhibition galleries at Lismore Heritage Centre and an opportunity to see the Award-winning Film ‘The Lismore Experience’ is included in the price.The Immrama Travel Writing Festival Committee is hosting this event and proceeds will help fund the 2010 festival programme.Tickets are available from Lismore Heritage Centre and cost €20.00. For further enquiries contact on (058) 53365 or (058) 54975.